LETTER | This year, once again, we rejoice because it was on Aug 31, 1957, that Malaya became independent. 

Sabah became self-governing on the same day in 1963 and for Sarawak, it was on July 22, 1963. 

Together, we all came together and formed a new nation of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963. Together, we rejoice and celebrate our freedom.

Unfortunately for our Orang Asli, they remain unfree - strangers in their own land as if they were orang asing (foreigners). This is a gross violation of their birthright as anak sulung, the firstborn of our nation.

Worst still, their special position is not even recognised nor guaranteed by our Federal Constitution.

As a constitutional monarchy, under Article 153(1), “It shall be the responsibility of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to safeguard the special position of the Malays and natives of any of the states of Sabah and Sarawak and the legitimate interests of other communities in accordance with the provisions of this article.”

While we, the natives or Anak Negeri of Sabah and Orang Asal of Sarawak enjoy this special position alongside the Malays, we are termed as bumiputera. 

This word does not appear anywhere in the Federal Constitution. 

It is of political coinage that serves to downgrade our constitutionally guaranteed special position. We are the indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak.

We humbly reject the term bumiputera as applicable to the Anak Negeri of Sabah and Orang Asal Sarawak. 

Instead, together with the Orang Asli communities, we wish to be known as anak sulung, the firstborn of our beloved nation and will strive to preserve our God-given birthright.

In the emerging new politics of Malaysia, we welcome the idea of Keluarga Malaysia. 

It is our prayer and hope this will lead to a truly inclusive tanah pusaka-tanah peninggalan nenek moyang. 

We welcome the importance of an independent judiciary, institutional reforms, and good governance to ensure a more conducive environment for the people and the country in the context of Keluarga Malaysia. 

Perpaduan Anak Negeri Sabah is a community based organisation in Sabah, East Malaysia.   

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.